STUDENT PROFILE: (Jennifer) Yu Chieh Huang

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.
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List of 5 news stories.

  • Fryeburg Academy Fall 2023-24 Honors/High Honors Roll Recipients Named

    We are pleased to announce the following students who have earned academic recognition at Fryeburg Academy for the Fall of 2023-24:

    HONORS
    Grade 12: (Honors)
    Charlotte Adamus
    Vittoria Bernardini
    Natalie Berry
    Dom Bond
    Jordin Booker
    Owen Burford
    Tori Butters
    Jilyan Byrne
    Lorenzo Catana Vallemani
    Jonah Densmore
    Vitoria Do Espirito Santo Teixeira
    Elle Dooley
    Austin Dorner
    Deniz Eroglu
    Manu Fandos Martinez
    Aidan Flanigan
    Amber Gagnon
    Mia Grandchamp
    Gal Hanan
    Emily Hoosier
    Noah Jacobs
    Emma Keaten
    David Kim
    Joey Kim
    Kardelen Lacinok
    Helena Landry
    Margherita Lassini
    Leo Lee
    Celine Lee
    Ana Maillett
    Moss Marques
    Caroline Masterman
    Asher McKenney
    Ryan Meade
    Natalia Millan Arenas
    Mina Milosevic
    Tommy Morini
    Tasia Nason
    Rachel Pizzo
    Grace Porcaro
    Abby Pratt
    Ashe Rabideau
    Winter Raymond
    Dustin Rhoda
    Gideon Richard
    Leah Rokes
    Margherita Rossi
    Gunnar Saunders
    Louie Shin
    Lamar Smith
    Hunter Tripp
    Tanner Tripp
    Gabby Udoto
    Logan Walton
    Kara Willette
    Connor Williams
    Mary Wing
    Kevin Zhou
  • Academy Students Earn Silver and Bronze at the National FFA Convention

    From October 31 through November 3, five members of the Academy's FFA Chapter (Future Farmers of America) and faculty member Jennifer Solter Jones attended the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. 
  • FA's Falls Sports Assembly Honors Student-Athletes

    On Thursday, November 16th, Fryeburg Academy celebrated the fall sports season with its annual fall sports awards assembly held in the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center. The following student-athletes were recognized for their outstanding performance during the fall 2023-24 season:
     
  • Joseph R. Manning Installed as the Academy's 55th Head of School

    Fryeburg Academy and the Board of Trustees announce the installation of Joseph R. Manning as the Academy’s 55th head of school. The Installation Ceremony was held on Friday, November 3, 2023, with members of the Fryeburg Academy community, the Board of Trustees, and former head of school Erin P. Mayo in attendance as a guest speaker. Manning steps into this new leadership role during the school’s 232nd year, following a long-tenured and successful career at the Academy spanning twenty years of service. 
  • FA Students Earn Letters of Commendation in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program

    Fryeburg Academy seniors Tyler Bartick and Jiwon Choi have earned Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC) for their performance on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

Fryeburg Academy

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Fryeburg Academy is an independent boarding and day school, serving grades 9-12 and postgraduate. We invite you to explore our site and learn how students from around the globe find their place in the world through our exceptional academic, art, and athletic programs.