Ah, high school. These precious years practically fly by from the day we step onto campus, unsure of who we are and how to fit in, until the moment we hug our dear friends and teachers goodbye after going through so much together. As the American Authors sang, “Those were the best days of my life.” Well, until college, anyway!
As these high school graduates leave the nest for college, we ask them to take one more look at their high school career to share their best high school memories.
“My best high school memory is definitely the final ISAC Division 2 volleyball tournament I had during my senior year. It was my sixth (and last) year participating in the school’s volleyball team, competing against other skillful international school teams in Beijing. After multiple times of comebacks, we ultimately won second place in the tournament, concluding my high school career with a silver medal.”
Martin Wong, Tsinghua International School
“Before the pandemic, almost three years ago, my school hosted an expedition to go to Yunnan province to complete an intense cycling routine in the undulating mountains. We had to ride a total of almost nine hours a day. We weren’t allowed to talk to each other due to considerations of our safety, but we really developed a sense of fellowship, as we were consciously aware of the presence of each other, and we were all exhausted, but not a single one of us stepped down from our bike and gave up. To be entirely honest, before the event, I didn’t actually know some of my fellow students, but after that day we developed an intangible bond with each other, and this is the highlight of my high school life.”
Albert Zhang, Harrow Beijing
“My favorite high school experience was when we went on a senior year retreat and there was this huge lake that we weren’t supposed to swim in but we did! It was just so beautiful, and just such a profound experience.”
Qinglan Du, Beijing City International School
“As the Y13s, we need to raise money for our graduation prom, and one of the ways we can earn a great sum of money is through selling roses for white Valentine’s Day! This year, we managed to earn RMB 17k as profit. The selling, packaging and delivering processes were all really fun and memorable!”
Gillian Shen, Harrow Beijing
“I would say it was my participation in the school musical productions. Ever since I entered secondary school, I have joined the production each year, and my most memorable one would have to be my last one. We performed “Legally Blonde,” and I managed to have the opportunity to play the lead role ‘Elle.’ It definitely pushed me to do my best, as I had this responsibility of putting on a good show, being the main role. Nevertheless, all the effort was worth it. I will never forget the amusing memories I made during rehearsals and the final performance. I really encourage people to join many communities during their high school experience.”
Ellyza Mae Malibiran, British School of Beijing, Shunyi
“My best high school memory as far as I can recall, would be when my friends and I came together and watched the entirety of the Twilight Saga, as well as a couple of other bad movies in two separate occasions. While the movies themselves were less than enjoyable, there’s something about watching bad movies together that made it much more amusing and funnier than if we were to ever watch these movies ourselves.“
Aidan Xavier Ker-Foz, Western Academy of Beijing
“Through the times I spent in Harrow, I always have been a part of our sports team. Starting from year 7, I have participated in many sports and gained a high interest in volleyball. Flashing back, ACAMIS and the volleyball games have contributed massively to the best memories of my high school experience. The best part of it would be being able to travel with friends and teammates and compete for our school spirit. I cherish the moments of the passion and energy spent, and how we were always positive, no matter the outcome.”
Sissi Chen, Harrow Beijing
“One of my favorite memories of high school is the school residential trip last year to Beidaihe! We were very fortunate to go on this trip despite COVID-19 being so unpredictable. I made a lot of good memories with some of my best friends, and it was one of the most memorable trips I went on during my time at BSB. We did a lot of water sports like kayaking and sailing, which I never tried before. We also got the opportunity to explore Beidaihe and the Qinhuangdao beach area, which had beautiful scenic spots for photography. It was our last school trip at BSB, so it is definitely one of the memories and experiences that I will always cherish.”
Hazel Lee, British School of Beijing, Shunyi
“I think probably the best one was at the beginning of Grade 11, when I was told all these things I would have to do for the IB. There were many low points where I thought that I wouldn’t be able to do it all but when I finished the last thing it was really rewarding being able to now see I was able to finish everything even though there were points where I nearly gave up and I’m so happy I didn’t. Not giving up helped me push my boundaries as a person and accomplish things that I before thought would be too difficult.”
Prudence Andrews, Beijing International Bilingual School
“My best memory from high school would be back in Grade 10 before COVID, when my friend Josephine and I were playing the hardest level of Super Mario Bros., and couldn’t seem to win. Never have I been so happy while being so frustrated.”
Aria Cowell, Western Academy of Beijing
This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 Graduation issue
