How do you relax?
I walk my dogs or watch Downton Abbey.
What is your most treasured possession?
The first medal I won in a swimming competition ten years ago.
What sound or noise do you hate?
The cheers at Donald Trump rallies. Pretty disturbing stuff.
What would your super power be?
Teleportation. There are so many places I’d like to go.
Which book changed your life?
This is pretty generic, but probably the entire Harry Potter series. Recently, though, I’ve been inspired by the poetry collection Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith. I initially read it for my extended essay, but I really fell in love with it and I was even able to talk with the author.
Which living person do you most admire?
My mom or my dad. I can’t choose!
Which living person do you most dislike?
Donald Trump.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Meryl Streep, just because she’s probably capable of pulling it off.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
All US presidents past and present. And Beyoncé.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to be an artist until I realized I had no artistic skill whatsoever. But I have no idea what I want to be now. I’m only 18!
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Nothing. Everything that’s happened has brought me to where I am today.
What do you owe your parents?
Everything. Absolutely everything.
What do you owe your school?
The amazing extracurricular opportunities I would never have had at a US or non-international school.
What advice would you give other students at your school?
Don’t dedicate all of your time to school. You won’t remember your chemistry test twenty years from now, but you will remember the moments you shared with your friends and family.
What is your earliest memory?
Falling asleep on my dad’s shoulders when I first visited the Great Wall.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Roll with the punches.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
High school graduation.
When were you happiest?
Childhood.
What makes you unhappy?
Demagoguery in 21st century America.
Where would you most like to be right now?
In a log cabin in the Appalachian Mountains.
What is top of your bucket list?
Making a spontaneous trip somewhere. No planning, no itinerary – just going and seeing what happens.
What trait do you most dislike in others?
Dishonesty.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself?
Perfectionism.
What is your favorite word?
Transient.
What is your least favorite word?
Spelunking.
What is your greatest achievement?
Burning all of my used SAT books with friends. That gave me true satisfaction.
What is your greatest fear?
Wasting my youth on meaningless academic endeavors.
When did you last cry?
Last Saturday. I had just finished my last MUN conference.
Photo: Courtesy of ISB
This article originally appeared on page 45 of the April 2016 Issue of beijingkids. Click here for your free online copy. To find out how you can obtain a hard copy, contact distribution@truerun.com.
