Please tell us a little bit about what your interests and hobbies have been since leaving HWIS?

I still enjoy learning languages. I attended a Chinese summer camp in Taiwan and China. I also enjoy sketching and pencil drawing in my free time. I took a digital arts class and learned how to use Adobe software. This summer I created a COVID-19 design that I want to sell on sweatshirts to raise money for kids affected by COVID. I also enjoy biking around my town with my friends.

Is language study a part of your studies, and if so can you describe?

Yes, language study is a part of my studies in many ways. Last summer I attended a Mandarin summer camp in Taiwan for 6 weeks. This really enhanced my language ability because I was immersed in the culture and society. During the school year, my brother and I attended a weekend Chinese class to prepare for the AP test. This course lasted a few months and it really sharpened up my test-taking skills in preparation for the AP test.

What are your most fond memories of HWIS?

My most fond memories of HWIS were the small classes and the great relationships formed between students and between student and teacher. I also loved the field trips because of the diverse locations we visited. During the summer camps, we would go to a field trip every day and it was very fun because we went to New York and other locations.

How has being at HWIS benefited you and do you think you might use your language skills in the future?

HWIS has benefited me in many ways. First, HWIS has allowed me to be fluent in Chinese and on that course for Spanish. By going to HWIS it has fostered not only a love for learning but a love for languages. I think from learning languages my whole life, it will be easier for me to pick up other languages. I enjoyed the time in Taiwan and I think I may go back there for college or after college, using my language skills and living independently. I love being immersed in another culture. Knowing Chinese allows me to pass through a language barrier and connect another culture to the next level.