Be you. Be Fearless. Meet 2025 graduating pupil Rebecca

Preface

When first getting to know Rebecca, 'driven' is our initial impression. Every year, she has been awarded ‘Pupil of the Year’ at Wellington College Hangzhou, excelling not only academically but also in her extracurricular activities. 

It was not until the hour-long interview with her that we found the solid footprints of a young girl who had progressed step by step. 

Over her three years at Wellington, Rebecca learned that every experience in life is a valuable learning opportunity and a chance for growth. With a bit more reflection, even the smallest things can carry meaning. She is not the traditional 'naturally gifted' type, but we believe that true academic excellence comes from learning without even realising it. For her, high scores are not the main goal; the real purpose of education lies in applying what she has learned. It is this pure love for learning and understanding its purpose that has endowed her with a rich humanistic literacy surpassing most of her peers. It is also why prestigious schools, including University College London, King's College London and the University of California (Los Angeles/San Diego), extended offers to her, someone who considers herself 'average in grades.'

When reflecting on her journey, Rebecca often attributes her accomplishments to luck. What others see as glittering achievements take on a softer tone in her own telling.

Biomedical Sciences might not appear as the most conventional path for international students, which naturally led us to wonder: What motivated Rebecca to choose this field? What are her stories?

Through our conversation, it became clear that her choice was rooted in both passion and pursuit.

 Rebecca when she first joined Wellington College Hangzhou.

“I vividly recall a biology experiment during my middle school years where we dissected a pig's heart. Examining the intricate muscle fibres close-up, I was struck by life's extraordinary precision, like an exquisitely engineered mechanism with perfectly arranged tissues. That moment sparked an enduring fascination with life's fundamental mysteries.”

This transformative experience first unveiled biology's profound appeal to Rebecca, setting her on an ongoing journey of scientific discovery.

“However, my true commitment to the field comes from personal experience. My grandmother had long struggled with sleep disorders, which took a toll on her health. This prompted me to dig deeper into sleep disorders and neurobiology. From my research, I created a holistic care plan for her, including a regular sleep schedule, a balanced diet and consistent exercise.

Inspired by her grandmother's experience, Rebecca embarked on an extracurricular research project. Through her investigation into sleep disorders and the nervous system, she discovered that individuals suffering from insomnia typically exhibit higher levels of fatigue and diminished concentration. Building on these findings, she delved deeper into neuronal activity and neurological disorders, uncovering how dysfunction in hypothalamic neuropeptide neurons and other neuronal abnormalities and neurotransmitter imbalances could contribute to sleep disorders and adversely affect one's emotional and physical health.

By incorporating a regular sleep schedule, a balanced diet and consistent exercise, Rebecca's grandmother experienced significant improvement in her insomnia, with positive changes in her overall health, appearance and mood. What excited Rebecca most was that this project not only addressed a real-world problem but also opened a window to the vast world of biological discovery, particularly when she learned about narcolepsy, a condition that spurred her further curiosity. This led her to publish a paper titled Symptoms, Aetiology and Current Treatments of Narcolepsy in the ICBioMed Journal, aiming to assist others struggling with similar conditions.

Rebecca's biology notes.

This journey from exploring life sciences to solving tangible problems revealed the transformative power of biology and cemented Rebecca's academic passion. She then attended Columbia University's summer programme to increase her understanding of neuroscience. After studying how the brain's hemispheres collaborate in memory formation, she innovatively proposed the Rhythmic Mnemonics Method, a technique that leverages poetic rhythm to enhance auditory, visual and pattern-based stimulation, which could strengthen neural processing and memory retention. This proposal earned her the 'Most Innovative Memory Technique' award.

At the summer school, Rebecca broadened her perspective through theory and practice; meanwhile, Imperial College London's Medicine & Life Sciences summer programme ignited her interest in genetics. During an experiment identifying genetically modified fruit flies, she began drawing parallels between their genetic modifications and the complexities of human heredity—a moment that reminded her of the awe she felt years earlier while dissecting a pig's heart.

As her research deepened, Rebecca found the process of scientific exploration is like solving an intricate puzzle, thrilling, challenging and deeply rewarding. She loves this journey of pushing boundaries and discovering the unknown.

At Wellington College Hangzhou, Rebecca's journey in biology began as early as Pre-A level, where the school tailored a personalised timetable for her, including biology lessons. The state-of-the-art teaching facilities and advanced laboratories were perfect for her to pursue her passion in the life sciences. During her time at Wellington, Rebecca actively participated in numerous prestigious academic competitions, achieving outstanding results in events such as the British Biology Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.

Rebecca speaks with particular gratitude about her teachers' unwavering support: "They recommended extracurricular reading to expose me to cutting-edge theories, and systematically structured the curriculum content to help me build a robust academic framework. What touched me most was how they consistently gave us patient and meticulous support to ensure that we fully consolidated our learning."

"The most memorable experience was the 'Learning Lab' SA, where I led younger pupils to complete experiments.  Transitioning from being a pupil receiving instruction to teaching others about scientific experiments presented an enormous challenge. It enhanced my ability to summarise and communicate."

After immersing herself in numerous biology-related activities both in and outside school, and having experienced professional academic environments, when asked about her aspirations in the field, Rebecca's response was refreshingly sincere: "I'm actually quite comfortable accepting that I'm just an ordinary person."

She does not make grand declarations or lofty ideals at the age of eighteen; her passion for biology remains pure. She is truly brilliant and composed.

Beyond biology, music has been an equally vital element in Rebecca's life.

Her musical journey began at the age of seven when she saw an exquisitely crafted violin in a shopping mall. Through dedicated practice, ten-year-old Rebecca was invited to perform at Zhejiang Television's 2019 Children's Spring Festival Gala. Before joining Wellington College Hangzhou, the disappointing lack of musical atmosphere in her previous school prompted her to take initiative: she established a band that would eventually blossom into one of the most beloved artistic groups.

When she became a Sixth Form pupil, Rebecca had the privilege of joining Wellington College Hangzhou's orchestra group under the mentorship of distinguished conductor Mr Mon (Article link: The Story Behind the 'Musical Genius'). His guidance helped her uncover the emotional depth and artistic nuance behind every note. This experience enriched her musical interpretation and elevated her technical mastery, culminating in her selection as concertmaster, a position that opened doors to off-campus performances.

While preparing for both on-campus and off-campus concerts, Rebecca often needed to balance her rigorous academic schedule with daily rehearsals that could stretch for hours. The physical strain, from aching arms to numb fingertips, seems to vanish whenever her passion for music is rekindled. Violin has transcended being just her greatest talent; it has become a lifelong companion. Through it, she has learned to appreciate the beauty of music and the values of perseverance, focus and resilience. These lessons help her stay committed to her passion and goals and remain resilient under pressure and challenges.

As any US university applicant knows, biomedical science ranks among the most competitive courses. Even with outstanding results in numerous competitions and activities, standing out requires something uniquely extraordinary.

For Rebecca, that unique factor was the violin that had accompanied her for over a decade.

What began as an extracurricular hobby gradually became her source of confidence and even qualified her as a music course applicant. Although she ultimately chose a different path, this seemingly ordinary hobby, which many might list at the bottom of their applications, became a multifaceted advantage. It helped her break through the conventional boundaries of US university applications.

"As I turn this new chapter, I'm certain this violin will continue composing life's melodies with me."

Think like a biologist, feel like an artist.

Understanding what one truly likes or dislikes is no simple matter. Yet Rebecca possesses a clarity and conviction about herself that is rare among her peers; all her choices emerge from the word freedom.

From childhood, Rebecca's parents granted her freedom to make choices and gave her wholehearted support. During her open-ended Sixth Form years, she was able to explore resources and create opportunities freely.

In 2022, Rebecca served as a co-organiser for Wellington College Hangzhou's inaugural TEDx Youth event. The event attracted over 6,000 online and offline viewers and garnered widespread acclaim. Inspired by its positive impact, Rebecca took the lead in planning the event the next year.

She established an organisational framework tailored to the event's needs, assembling a 10-member team. Drawing on her prior experience, she outlined the event flow, prepared for potential challenges and assigned clear roles to each member. Beyond team management, she handled external coordination: securing sponsorship from a local internet company, collaborating closely with the marketing department on venue setup and materials (including KT board and tickets) and coordinating with the canteen for refreshments.

However, the unexpected happened. TEDx officials notified Rebecca that the event's license had been temporarily suspended because the complete footage from the year before was not uploaded. Faced with this setback, she steadied her team, guiding them to continue their work while addressing the issue. Despite her heavy academic workload, she worked tirelessly with the marketing team to edit and submit promotional videos to the TEDx platform and ultimately reclaimed the event license.

After nearly seven months of preparation, Rebecca successfully hosted Wellington College Hangzhou's second TEDx Youth event, themed The Power of Redefinition. On the day, six teacher and pupil speakers explored the infinite possibilities of 'definition' with their unique thinking and insight, presenting an unforgettable feast of thought to both offline and online audiences.

As the iconic TED glow of warm yellow lights dimmed and applause echoed through the venue, the event concluded triumphantly. Beyond the stage, Rebecca documented the planning process and lessons learned, creating a valuable resource for future pupil organisers.

This TEDx Youth experience honed her organisational and communication skills and taught her to remain composed and proactive when confronting challenges, while deepening her understanding of the value of details and teamwork.

With calmness, courage and strength, Rebecca sees what truly belongs to her from within. Her journey is not one of deliberate planning, but rather one guided by the desire to try and explore with an open mind. She kept going until she discovered what she truly wanted to do and fully committed to it.

Besides engaging herself in school events, Rebecca earned widespread admiration for her selfless community service. During the pandemic, many elderly people struggled with smartphones. Rebecca saw the support they might need and started by helping her own grandfather use his mobile payments, video calls, health code apps and other essential functions.

Teaching the elderly how to use smart phones.

"I learned that many seniors in my community faced similar challenges, so I partnered with the neighbourhood committee to launch free smartphone classes. Later, a classmate and I expanded the programme across multiple districts in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, and we even took weekly leave every Wednesday to support them."

The initiative flourished, but Rebecca noticed recurring challenges. The elders have trouble remembering specific details despite repeated lessons. This prompted her to think of better ways to support. She then added review sessions, used her scholarship funds to print illustrated manuals and worked with the neighbourhood committee to stock extras in high-traffic areas for their easier review.

Rebeccca's smart phone manuals.

As her 'elderly students' grew more confident with time, they began requesting advanced features. Seeing her work tangibly improve their lives, Rebecca started producing tutorial videos on her WeChat Official Account 'Rebecca's Microcosm', extending her impact beyond physical classes. Since 2022, her 56 video guides have surpassed 10,000 cumulative views.

Rebecca's smart phone tutorial videos.

"Three years on, I've watched the elders reclaim a happier life through embracing technology. My efforts eased community workers' burdens and contributed to increasing community service efficiency. That filled me with immense pride and happiness."

Listening to Rebecca recount her experiences, we noticed a pattern: she frames everything as joyful, positive and meaningful. She does not catalogue transactional benefits but trusts the compass of her curiosity and courage. In her essays, we see a portrait of someone who honours science, cherishes music, embraces diversity and meets life with humility: an applicant who is bright, hardworking and outstanding.

Rebecca also experienced moments of anxiety about herself. However, these uncertainties—much like her initial struggles with English literacy, academic goals and the pressure of further education—were ultimately resolved by an offer letter from her dream institution. Her unwavering trust in the school and her steadfast attitude of remaining undisturbed by external noise have kept her progressing along a path rich in layers, diversity and clarity.

Receiving university offers marks the end of Chapter One. Now, Rebecca stands ready to write Chapter Two. As she looks ahead to undergraduate life, she aspires to delve deeper into healthcare research, gaining hands-on experience to improve lives through science, practice or education. Meanwhile, she seeks personal fulfilment: growing through service, finding joy in helping others.

Everything Rebecca has gathered through her growth now flourishes, like how the vast systems of biology are taking root in her life. Her violin, table tennis, orchestral performances, teachers' encouragement and every kind face at Wellington College Hangzhou are all blossoming in this spring of boundless freedom.

When asked which quality she hopes to preserve above all, Rebecca answers without hesitation:

"Diligence. Talent is a gift, but effort is the variable we control; it is what truly alters life's trajectory."

Here stands a young girl who shares her journey with an inclusive mind, whose seemingly impractical dreams of changing the world are matched by the steadfastness of her steps. As we read, we realise with certainty: one day, she will.

She definitely will.