My three-year journey at UWC Changshu China has come to an end with a memorable midnight concert of "The Phantom of the Opera" the night before graduation. Holding the mask and roses underneath the chandelier, I stood in the library, intoxicated in the lingering sound of the music of the night.

I’ve created another memory of my own and achieved another long hidden dream of mine. The past three years have been a time of exploration, discovery and personal growth, as I pursued my passions and uncovered countless possibilities.

Performing Christine Daae at the midnight concert of "The Phantom of the Opera"

I have always been deeply curious about the unknown and UWC Changshu has provided the environment for my curiosity to flourish and it’s a supportive community that fosters bold and fearless pursuit of the unknown and embraces exploration, mistakes, and passion. You’ll always find like-minded individuals who share your perspective, your passion, and your ambition, empowering you to chase after even your wildest dreams.

Throughout my time at UWC Changshu, I have immersed myself in a wide range of activities, from sailing and mock trial to lion dance, dancing, juggling, teaching musical to kids from different backgrounds, acapella, band, musical, Chinese Cultural Evening (CCE) and Sino-Japan Youth Conference (SJYC). The breadth of my involvement may seem overwhelming, but it is a testament to the safe and encouraging environment that my school provides, allowing me to fearlessly explore my interests.

I was immediately fascinated with Lion Dance when I joined the Lion Dance workshop during the Sino-Japanese Youth Conference (SJYC) in UWC LPC. I was drawn to the lively lions and decided to join the Lion Dance Zhi Xing at UWC Changshu. Lion Dance has always been the highlight during the opening of the annual Chinese Cultural Evening (CCE). While learning Lion Dance was indeed challenging for me, but I was able to gain more understanding of the traditional Chinese culture.

Performing Lion Dance at 2024 CCE

From serving as a sailing captain to receiving awards in mock trial and coordinating regional events like SJYC, I delved into each activity with passion and dedication. Activities such as Project Week, Passion Project, and Special Topics Day expanded my awareness and exploration of global issues ranging from education of migrant children to environmental protection and war. I even had the chance to explore aspects of Chinese painting that I’ve never thought of before despite of my early exposure to it.

Sailing Zhi Xing

Through various activities, I’ve not only gained personal growth, but also fostered an incredible bond with my peers and lifelong friends.The intense but extremely fun rehearsal experiences with the "Les Misérables" cast, the late-night works for CCE, and the Saturday morning gentle breeze on the Kuncheng Lake, all marked the moments when we shared our passions and aspirations towards the same goal. These moments will forever be part of my most precious memory here at UWC Changshu.

Serving as the host of the CCE for two times

UWC Changshu has also taught me valuable life skills, such as time management and finding a balance between academics and extracurricular pursuits.From being a participant to an organizer, I have learned far more than what can be learned from textbooks. Engaging in various events has honed my critical thinking, communication, and organizing skills.

Performing juggling at 2024 CSC Olympics

Amongst all my interests, I seem to have developed a particular fondness for theater and musicals. Ever since taking part in "The Little Mermaid" and "Les Misérables" musical productions in primary and middle school, I have been captivated by the magic of theater. Interest in theater is often perceived to be time-wasting, yet I decided to pursue it as an IB course at UWC Changshu.

During the Covid pandemic, NAT tests and online lessons became the norm and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret when it came to study physical theater online. I wondered if there was any possibility developing theater activities in an online setting?

Performing "Pixie Dust" at Theater class

Before joining UWC Changshu, I served as a volunteer in the Shanghai Huamu Community , teaching primary school kids from low-income families. This activity moved online during the pandemic. The planned performance of "The Little Mermaid" in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid. I realized that children from diverse backgrounds often lack access to education resources, especially in the realm of performing arts and musicals.

Playing Eponine in the immersive musical "Les Misérables"

I was able to reach out to the local Lanyu Public Welfare Organization through SAWA Zhi Xing. Lanyu aims to build a community with no strangers through its diverse programs. I expressed my passion for musicals to the organizer, Xu Dong, got his support and collaborated with Lanyu.

I started teaching musical to students of Lanyu. The computer screens did not stop the passion that the kids have for music and performing as every single lesson was filled with laughter and joy. The final recorded performance of an extract from the English musical Beauty and the Beast was stunning.

Kids performing "Beauty and the Beast" online

Through this unique experience, I also tried directing, teaching, and even editing, and my passion with theater grew stronger. Not just being an actor myself, I was able to pass on this huge passion of mine to more kids. Seeing them becoming more confident day by day through learning musical, it made me realize the transformative power of music and the positive impact it can make.

Harley, a classmate of mine and I decided to propose a musical Zhi Xing, "Scintillate" to the Experiential Learning office, and I was surprised and delighted that our proposal received full support from the school. Scintillate aims to provide education on musical theater to children from different backgrounds and allow every student to get access to more possibilities and more equal opportunities to discover their true potential and passion.

Enjoying the time with kids who love musical

Throughout the two years, we collaborated with Lanyu Public Welfare Organization and two schools of migrant children, Longhua and Sunshine School. We worked with kids ranging from grade 1 to 7 and brought the musicals "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" on stage. I’ve explored various roles, including directing, script writing, teaching, sound, stage, lighting, costumes, props, etc. The exhausting but rewarding experience allowed me to gain more insights into the theater and the meaning behind what we are doing.

"This is my first time on a stage!", "I think I’ve become more confident", "We still have rehearsal tomorrow!".

Scintillate invited children to perform "The Little Mermaid" at UWC Changshu Campus

Hearing the exciting remarks from the kids as well as from parents made me feel all my efforts had paid off. It was heartwarming to witness the children’s transformation from being timid to becoming vibrant and energetic on stage. They truly shine like little stars during the performance.

With more international students joining the community in the fall of 2023, Scintillate Zhi Xing welcomed members from different countries and became a more diverse group. Kids from Lanyu and Sunshine schools also had the opportunity to experience different styles of teaching and learning from across the world.

Scintillate Zhi Xing members

Founding Scintillate Zhi Xing was one of my most significant achievements at UWC Changshu. I learned to manage my time effectively in order to maintain a balance between my extracurriculars and academics. Scintillate combines my passion for musical, Disney, and interaction with kids. The moments of song editing, choreography, and teaching plan design became my chance to relax from the intensity of IB study. The precious moments that I spent with musicals and princesses always had me recharged from academic pressure.

After the pandemic, as international students returned to the campus, they made our campus a more diverse place. Common interests, experiences, and hobbies brought us together. We learn about each other’s language, culture, tradition, food, dance, and much more.

I enjoyed dances from different cultures at the One World Concert (OWC), including Afro-Caribbean Dance, Hora Dance, and Nepali Dance. At UWC Changshu, I’ve embraced the role of a global citizen, cultivating an openness to new viewpoints, perspectives, and cultures.

Performing Acapella at One World Concert

UWC has also given me many opportunities to connect with peers from around the world. Over the past three years, I have actively participated in the Sino-Japan Youth Conference (SJYC). From being an enthusiastic participant engaging in discussions, to serving on the organizing committee where I introduced traditional theater, to eventually becoming the regional coordinator for the entire event, I think to me SJYC has been a transformative experience.

It is a great platform for me to meet friends from all over the world to exchange thoughts on culture, conflict, understanding, and peace. Through discussion with peers from buddy groups, not only did I get a more thorough understanding of cultural and historical backgrounds, but I also learned to address stereotypes and conflicts through communication.

Serving on the organizing committee at 2023 SJYC

Under the spotlight, across the lake in the gentle breeze, these are the moments that I would cherish forever. All these precious memories will continue to give me the courage, hope, and power to face the unknown and to pursue my dreams for years to come.

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