Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you grew up and why you decided to attend FA?
A: I came to FA as a sophomore, and I am now a senior. This is my third year at the Academy, and I feel like the time has passed really fast. I am from Taiwan, and I moved to China when I was in the first grade. I lived there with my family for nine years. I went to international schools my whole life, which is why I have good English skills. It was a hard adjustment to make between living in Taiwan and living in China, especially as I switched schools several times because my mom wanted to make sure I had the very best opportunities. Despite the difficulty in attending several different schools in China and Taiwan, the transitions helped me to become more adaptable to change.
I have found Fryeburg Academy to be a welcoming community, and a place where I can really be myself without being judged. Fryeburg is definitely a quiet place. My schools in China were all in big cities and were very loud. I prefer to be in a place that is quiet for studying, so Fryeburg Academy is a good place for me. I think if I had attended a bigger school in Connecticut or Boston, I would be more tempted to go out all the time and be more easily distracted from my studies. I like that Fryeburg Academy provides a lot of choices and a lot of freedom. This freedom makes you want to challenge yourself because you have the confidence to make choices for yourself and explore new things. At the same time, you have counselors who provide guidance. It’s a good balance.
Q: What sports, activities, clubs, or activities have you participated in?
A: The transition from my American International School in China was not difficult because it is very similar. My first year at FA I played soccer because I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet everyone. I also joined the Model UN. I am not a good public speaker, and I thought by joining the MUN my public speaking would improve, which it did! Role playing like we do in MUN gives me more confidence to stand up and speak for the country I represent. And, it’s not just about speaking, it’s about making connections with the people around you. It really is like a business conference. I’ve also been involved in community service. I work in the
PKA afterschool program once a week during the school year. Working with children connects me to the happiness that young children enjoy like the simple things in life. I started an international club at PKA. I bring books with me about India, China, Korea, Japan, and other places. One time we did a cooking session where we made traditional Korean food. It was eye opening for me and for them to try a new cuisine. I enjoy the enthusiasm children have for embracing a new culture and a global perspective.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at FA?
A: I’ve enjoyed snowboarding. I love the winter and cooler weather. I like the view of the mountains and being in a natural environment. When I have been studying a lot, I like to go outside and take a walk; it de-stresses me. Dorm Olympics are a lot of fun, too. Each dorm has its own team and the rivalry is exhilarating.
Q: Can you share your experience being a tour guide after leading FA’s campus tour program this fall?
A: I visited the U.S. in January when I was applying to schools and met student tour guides who led me through their campus. The impression that they left with me was the closest connection I could make in an unfamiliar place. They were about the same age as me, and I felt much safer and comfortable to ask questions. As a tour guide, I want to offer students that kind of welcome and first impression and to share experiences, stories, and insights. On a tour it’s important to share your personal experiences and make those connections. If you can make the student feel comfortable, then the rest comes naturally. Now, new students often recognize me from their tour.
As a tour guide at FA, I like to share more about the dorm life because I know a lot about it. I also like to showcase our Performing Arts Center and gym. I like to remind them if the timing is right for them, that FA is welcoming and you can be yourself in a new place here just like you are at home.
Q: What advice or words of wisdom do you have for students applying to high school?
A: When applying to schools, look for the benefits beyond what you might normally consider to see what new things you might like. I was going to say that when choosing schools, you have to know yourself at some level, but thinking back to my two years at FA, I sort of found myself. I think that’s when you know you’ve made the right choice.