Hanna W, a 15-year-old student at the Western Academy of Beijing has lived in the Chinese capital of Beijing for most of her life, only having a one-year term in California, during which she went to two different schools. There, she says she discovered more about the world and about her family. After returning to Beijing, she says she became more in tune with Chinese culture and her own Chinese identity.
A life-long companion of hers has been art. Specifically visual arts, though she has a great appreciation for all genres of music.
She began her journey at age three when she was signed up for weekly art classes. These continued until her middle school years, at which point she began drawing outside of class. She taught herself to follow tutorials, which helped her progress into the artist she is today. Hanna does not limit herself when it comes to art, and her skills range from basics such as painting and drawing, to film photography, printing, and digital art. However, she holds more love for the more traditional types of art, painting, and drawing. She believes they are more visual and direct, with fewer limits than other kinds, such as photography. Art has always been with her, and she finds it a unique space of personal expression, where she can share herself with the world.
Though Hanna is not quite sure what she wishes to do in the future (as is the case with most high school students), social studies and economics hold a certain allure. She also has a passion for psychology, as she recognizes that mental health concerns have become prevalent in both the wider world and in a Chinese context, and that many people suffer silently due to stigma and ignorance. She sees this as an issue of great concern, and feels inspired to spread awareness of it.
What brought her to this internship was a desire to explore and improve her skills in journalism, as well as develop her ability to work under time pressure. Hanna believes the skills she develops are sure to help her in whatever field she chooses in her future.
Images: Hanna W
