University Guidance Handbook

From watching television dramas with my mother as a child, to adapting characters from these adaptations into classical poetry, and then exploring the portrayal of princesses sent in marriage alliances in period dramas through academic papers, examining their interactions with history and modern society – these seemingly unrelated pursuits all stem from a passion for East Asian history, media studies, and the female perspective. For me, exploring my field of study involves finding the common ground between different interests, discovering what truly resonates within them, and then building upon that foundation. At times, I too have worried whether these interests could genuinely merge with academia, or hold any real significance. Yet a professor's words dispelled much of my anxiety: ‘Do not let yourself be constrained by notions of convention, utility, or recognition. Explore any point that intrigues you, however seemingly marginal—it may yield unexpected rewards.’

Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I received at BIBA. My time there gave me the confidence to freely chase my dreams and shaped the entrepreneurial mindset that continues to guide me through my journey in New York City. The values and spirit I carried from BIBA have been a constant source of motivation, helping me navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities with optimism in college, in life, and in universe. What makes it even more special is the strong alumni network—New York can feel big and overwhelming, but every time I meet up with fellow BIBA alumni or friends here, it feels warm and familiar. Those connections remind me that no matter where I go, I’ll always be part of a supportive community that believes in me. For that, I'll always be thankful to BIBA.

Months ago, I could never have imagined that fourteen years of laughter, sweet and sour experiences, love and growth would condense into a mere fourteen seconds in my memory. Dear younger classmates, cherish the time you have with your friends! Tackle an assignment together, volunteer for a cause together, take on a team challenge together... Only through repeated attempts will you discover the passions you wish to pursue. Your vibrant junior and senior high school years at Haijia will become cherished memories! After a lengthy exploration phase, I finally settled on my preferred field of study. During my Year 11 summer break, I was fortunate to participate in Professor Shen's research project on rare diseases. This experience introduced me to a specialised branch within biology and deepened my understanding of public health work. Simultaneously, my consistent involvement in various volunteer activities at school revealed the true meaning of learning in real life. While university admission is undoubtedly a major goal during secondary school, don't forget to ask yourself what you genuinely enjoy! Here's a quote shared by my professor recently at Cornell: ‘Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ - Howard Thurman

Time flows like the sea; two years have slipped by since I graduated from Haijia. Returning to my alma mater, I find the sports hall transformed beyond recognition, the teaching block standing tall and imposing, while the “Haijing Business” society I founded still thrives on campus. I cannot help but recall those days and nights spent shoulder to shoulder with dear friends establishing the society: navigating confusion and setbacks, yet quietly growing with each breakthrough. May you treasure every moment spent at Haijia. It not only paves your path to university but also bestows upon you growth that cannot be found elsewhere.

Time flies, and it has been several months since my high school days came to an end. Since stepping into the university I so longed for, I have immersed myself in the world of fashion design, evolving from inexperience to maturity, from naivety to passion. Every stitch of thread, every sketch of a design, embodies my dreams. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the teachers at Haijia for their unwavering support and meticulous guidance throughout my secondary education, and to my classmates for their companionship and encouragement. Moving forward, I shall continue to interpret fashion through design, convey beauty through my creations, and transform this passion into a lifelong vocation.

Time flies; it feels as though high school graduation was only yesterday, yet over four months have already passed. Now that I've entered university, I've truly come to understand what 'excessive freedom' means. University life grants us complete autonomy, yet this also means we must rely entirely on ourselves. No one offers the same level of attention or companionship as our secondary school teachers did. Precisely because of this, I find myself increasingly nostalgic for those days at Haijia, wrapped in warmth: the care from teachers, the genuine companionship among classmates, and those moments when the whole class would laugh together in class. At university, one encounters a constant stream of new faces, yet interactions often remain superficial. I hope my younger classmates will cherish the present, treasure the warm and uncomplicated environment of Haijia, engage more deeply, communicate more freely, and make each day count.

I am currently studying Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During my secondary education, I founded Dapiya, a public-benefit platform providing real-time global weather data, which now serves thousands of both general and professional users. I have also dedicated myself to developing AI-VIS, significantly enhancing the capability to monitor weather systems at night.

During my time at Haijia, my interest in music gradually blossomed. In secondary school, my music teacher encouraged me to try playing bass guitar and even suggested forming a band. From then on, I devoted considerable time to music – whether performing at charity concerts or composing original pieces, it became an integral part of my life.

For me, music is an unending journey centred on discovering authentic self-expression, conveying emotions through melody that words alone cannot articulate. I firmly believe there is no right or wrong in music, for creativity springs from curiosity, relentless effort, and the courage to be different.

I hope every individual harbouring musical dreams persists in pursuing their true self, finding the voice that truly represents them.