Meet Katrina Shi, a graduate from Beijing City International School, who decided to pursue her dream career in interior design at Pratt Institute in New York City. Passionate and strong willed, Katrina has been determined to excel academically, all the while giving back to the community; and these are the actions that have molded her into the person she is today.

Growing up in a warm, loving home provided her with a stable and nurturing environment to develop her passion and share it with people. Katrina has received offers from not one, not two, but from seven of the most prestigious schools in the UK and US and decided to go with Pratt. “Pratt has been my dream school ever since I started doing my college research in grade 10. I’ve also always dreamt about going to New York, experiencing life there. I think it’s the perfect combination with the city being so busy all the time and home to people with different backgrounds, and Pratt being the only school offering campus life the way I want to experience it “. Katrina is so confident with her choice that there’s no question she’ll enjoy every second of her college life. I really wanted to know how she felt when she received seven college offers with scholarships worth USD$335,000. She says it’s a well-deserved gift that is recognition of the hard work she’s done over the years.

“I’ve gone through so many challenges to finish my college application.There’s been a lot of pressure, but the greatest challenge of all has been managing all the tasks“, says Katrina. She’s been working hard to maintain balance between her academics and her hobbies and interests, a task that can be quite stressful at times. As she had to keep a competitive score in her academic field, but also develop her art portfolio, it was great having her friends and family supporting and encouraging her throughout the process. Although her parents wanted her to choose a more comprehensive university, once she told them about how much she wanted to go to an art school to study what she was passionate about, she got the green light and they have been there to support her ever since.

But this young lady has done more than just excelling at her studies. One of the things she’s most proud of is the fact that she used every opportunity she could to give back to her community. She has been using her passion for spatial design to give people both beautiful and useful things that make them feel the way she feels about them – excited, comfortable and happy. Katrina organized and took part in numerous projects and community service activities, such as the Renovation Design project where she got to use all her skill and knowledge to design an actual piece of furniture for her school’s library. “I decided to expand my design creativity to positively contribute to the community and inspire future senior students. This led me to use my passion to give back to the community. I’m really glad that the table I designed actually gets to be used by students. I’m really proud of my achievement, and the accumulated practical experience I gained“.

This and many other similar projects, such as the stained glass activity and art exhibition, got her to not only develop her theoretical knowledge, but also to apply her skills in practice. She doesn’t like to talk a lot, but prefers to let her work speak for her. Her goal is to advance her spatial experience design knowledge by exploring external factors. As a passionate and caring person, it means the world to her when her work gets recognised and appreciated by people around her. “Community service gives me a sense of belonging. I feel accepted and this kind of spiritual encouragement motivates me to be a better person.”

So what is she most looking forward to about college life? “I am most excited about becoming part of a group of people working together to achieve the same goal. I know that everyone worked hard to get into college and we all want to become experienced designers. I’m looking forward to crossing the finish line with people who want the same things.”

Even though Katrina will miss her friends, family, the supportive environment she’s got here, and the food (though not necessarily in that order), she’s very excited about starting this new chapter in her life. We wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors, Katrina!

 KEEP READING: Qinglan Du: Trail Blazer

Images: Courtesy of Katrina Shi

In this series, we profile the graduating students who have been handpicked to deliver a speech and presentation at the jingkids Graduate Summit 2022. 

Olivia Li was born in New Jersey to Chinese-American parents, and returned to Beijing to begin her formal schooling. When she started first grade at Tsinghua International School (THIS)  she became withdrawn and insecure around her peers, but you wouldn’t know it when you meet this young woman today.

“I was shy and scared when I returned to China. It sounds cliche, but it took joining the Speech & Debate Club and taking part in several speech tournaments before I began to step out of my shell. Then I really started to find my voice and gain self-confidence,” shares Olivia. “I also have to thank a few of my teachers, with whom I forged strong relationships based on mutual respect. There was one teacher in particular who told me not to be so hard on myself,  and who helped encourage me in tough times.”

Olivia’s positive energy is apparent even as we chat on the phone after an entire day spent at school. She readily answers all my questions, even as I go off of the initial list of questions I had sent her the day before. Looking at the list of oratorical awards she’s achieved during her high school career – which include an NSDA Beijing Regionals Original Oratory Champion title, I can already picture her on campus, making a big speech at a rally to invoke change for the better.

That’s one of the reasons Olivia applied to Georgetown University to study sociology – a field her burgeoning interest in social activism seems to be pointing her towards. As part of the pioneering group of students who have campaigned for Period Positivity on her school campus, Olivia saw firsthand how real change could be effected, and is eager to learn more on the subject.

Perhaps another catalyst for her choice was her school trip back in ninth grade, when she visited Yunnan and had an eye-opening experience staying with the 景颇族 (Jǐngpǒ zú) people, where she got to really bond with one young child in particular. “Seeing what real problems they face made me truly realise how much I have in life and how fortunate I am to have the opportunities I get,” Olivia revealed.

And opportunity is what awaits her at college; opportunity to “immerse in a more liberal culture where diversity of thought is welcome.” That aside, Olivia chose Georgetown for its location in America’s capital city, where she feels social change is prevalent. She also favors a smaller institute compared to bigger universities. “I prefer a tight-knit community where I can just pop into class and have a casual chat with my teachers.”

Since she’s not required to declare a major until the end of her first year of college, she’s excited to explore all her options, including political economy, which, “as an interdisciplinary field, seems like the best of both worlds.” She’s also considering Gender and Sexuality Studies, but perhaps as a minor instead of a major. That’s what college is for, and for Olivia, the possibilities are just beginning.

KEEP READING: 17-Year-Old Ayisha Is Passionate About Teen Physical & Mental Health

Images: Courtesy of Olivia Li

Do you have a middle-schooler heading into high school? Or perhaps a teenager “going through some stuff” at school? Maybe you’re a teacher or education specialist keen to hear from the other side of the table. Better yet, you could be a concerned parent highly invested in your child’s future.

If any of those sound like you, then you’re just the person who will benefit most from attending our Graduate Summit this Sunday, Jun 20 from 1-6pm. This first-of-its-kind event is your chance to hear from 14 graduates fresh out of Beijing’s top international schools, who are moving on to renowned universities all over the world. They will share insights into their successful high school careers, the ways you can support your child through an intensive IB program, and tips on how your child can thrive in high school.

For a sneak preview of what you can expect, check out these interviews we conducted with a few of the outstanding speakers who will be at the event, namely Katarina Krajnovic, Carolina Liu, and Jadelle Xinyi Zhang Campbell.

You can purchase tickets to the exclusive event, and also catch the live stream on our sister platform 菁kids’ WeChat video Channel. Scan the QR code below to register now! 

KEEP READING: Graduate Summit 2021 Speaker: “Taking Risks and Having Fun Made Me Who I Am Today”

Images: Jingkids

You’ll like Carolina Liu the moment you meet her. Reminiscent of a K-pop teen idol, I was instantly charmed by her energy and easy smile. At 17-years-old, she has all the optimistic zest of youth, and yet, at the same time, she imparts pearls of wisdom such as: “It’s the process, not the end goal, that truly matters.” And, “Stay organized with small deadlines for each project.” Yet, perhaps the motto she tries to live by the most at this point in her life is the simple but poignant, “Have fun.”

Liu is one of the fresh graduates who will be speaking at the upcoming Jingkids International Education Graduate Summit to share their insights into a successful high school career, from an insider’s perspective.

After receiving offers from Western University, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, just to name a few, Liu decided to begin the next chapter of her life at New York University (NYU) in their Liberal Studies program. It’s not hard to see why she received so many offers, what with her 4.25 GPA (the maximum is 4.6) and bursting list of extracurricular activities: She was the President of the Student Council, a central defender on the soccer team, involved in every drama club production except one, initiated the student dance troop Karma, and co-founded the Child’s Mind Institute Club to raise awareness for youth mental health issues. However, her crowning achievement was organizing the Dance Xchange competition which saw 14 dance troops across Beijing perform and compete against one another. That was her baby – she designed all publicity and merchandise for the event, put together a panel of well-credentialed judges, and even solicited sponsorships to get shirts made. The proceeds were donated to iCare, an educational support organization for autistic children.

Liu started dance troop Karma which has performed at school concerts and events

“I believe that if something is challenging, the result will be glorious,” says Liu. “Hear me out. In the process of hosting a dance competition with no teacher guidance, I felt stuck more often than not. Everything was based on instinct and logic so it felt right but also, it didn’t. My collaboration with my teammates, the school, and third-party vendors was very rough. But on opening night, as I watched the audience roll in and cheer when the lights dimmed, it was all worth it because I knew they were excited about something I had created with passion and love.”

Liu’s proudest achievement was organizing the city-wide Dance Xchange competition

Born in Canada, Liu’s family moved to Beijing when she was just 2, and she started nursery at the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB), where she spent the next 15 years growing up. As a result, she’s practically a daughter to the long-time teachers and staff there. While the community around her has remained unflagging in their support, she is ready to move on and have a fresh start, with no labels attached to her identity.

“I wear so many hats around the school and I’ve been here so long that sometimes, strangers just come up to me with full knowledge of who I am,” explains Liu. “I am excited to go to a new place and discover what others might see in me, and what I might see in myself. It’s a process of self-actualization.”

Liu plays Gilmer in her school production of “Godspell”

While Liu’s passion for the stage might suggest that she’s inclined to a career in the performing arts, her ultimate goal is to become an educator. “I was a teacher’s assistant at a summer camp for four years in a row, I really like being with the kids and was fascinated with their process of learning,” she explains. After her first two years at NYU, she hopes to join the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development to further her studies in education. “After that, I don’t want to pursue my master’s right away. I believe that true education is a combination of knowledge and experience. So I will probably find a job first.”

Liu, as a teacher’s assistant, with the kids at summer camp

She also won’t be giving up on her hobbies any time soon. “I’ve already reached out to the dance team at NYU and I’m getting involved with their next project this year, virtually, before I even enroll in January!” She has also made plans to get involved – in some way or another – beyond the school, to make the most of living in New York City.

If Liu appears to be a self-starter and risk-taker, that’s because she is. “In my high school years, taking risks was what allowed me to create some of the most pivotal memories I have. All because I dared to try something new.” It seems a perfect fit then, that Liu will be speaking on the topic of “Practicing IB Learner Profiles: Being a Risk-Taker,” at the Summit later this month.

Her parting words to current high-schoolers are to “Have fun! It’s our last chance where you’re old enough to really enjoy, but young enough not to be burdened with, the responsibilities of adulthood like bills and politics. Those things will come later.”

Hear Carolina Liu speak live on Jun 20 at the Jingkids International Education Graduate Summit. If you can’t attend the event in person, catch the live-stream on our sister platform 菁kids’ WeChat Video Channel.

To attend the event, please scan the QR code in the poster below.

KEEP READING: Recent Graduate Katarina Krajnovic Opens up at the Jingkids International Education Graduate Summit

Images: Courtesy of Carolina Liu