
Ethan Hicks
July 1, 2020Interview of Mark Bandak, HWIS partner
July 3, 2020Please tell us a little bit about what your interests and hobbies have been since leaving HWIS?
Since leaving HWIS I have developed a passion for dance. I also have been very interested in entrepreneurship and have recently taken part in a sustainability Makeathon. During the Makeathon, I along with about 80 other kids were mentored by an accomplished CEO. Another entrepreneurship-related project I have been working on is publishing my book. Reviewed by Masterchef Junior Winners and Teen Chopped Grand Champions, my cookbook, Easy Eatings—The Book for Kids Whose Parents Don’t Eat, became available on Amazon on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Each chapter is based around a country and is compiled of simple recipes, as well as stories of my travels around the world. All profits will be donated to the charity “Save the Children,” in which they are providing food to children amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. I have also taken an interest to digital art and I run a company called honey and flowers (honeyandflower.artweb.com). The website sells hand-drawn, customizable graphic designs that I created. These can also be purchased on various pieces of clothing.
Is language study a part of your studies and if so can you describe?
After graduating HWIS, I have continued to study Mandarin at my school. This summer, I was intending to go on an immersion trip alone with my two other friends to Wuxi, China. However, due to current circumstances, we will be going next year.
What are your most fond memories of HWIS?
My favorite memories are going to the playground and performing various plays and songs.
How has being at HWIS benefited you and do you think you might use your language skills in the future?
My time at HWIS has certainly benefited me as through my studies there I have been able to advance my language skills and study high levels of Mandarin at my current school. In the future when I visit China, my Mandarin skills will certainly help me.