Hello everyone, I’m Monica Ma, a 12th-grade student at Dalian American International School. It’s a pleasure to meet you all!
Through my enriching school life, I have not only gained knowledge but also used my passion and dedication to organize various charity events. These experiences have shaped me into a positive and compassionate person.
Our school offers many opportunities to organize and participate in events, which have helped me develop my leadership skills while contributing to meaningful causes.
During last summer break, my classmates and I went to Chaoyang, Liaoning, to volunteer as teachers. This experience not only helped me grow but also allowed me to form deep friendships with the local students.
Chaoyang Service Trip
At school, under the guidance of teachers and through teamwork with my peers, I had the privilege of leading and organizing our school’s Hope Marathon. The enthusiastic participation of students and faculty showed me the power of kindness and the school’s strong support for charitable initiatives.
This year, my classmates and I also participated in the Model United Nations conference in South Korea, which broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of global issues.
Before participating in various charitable activities at school, I used to believe that ordinary people had little ability to contribute to charity. However, through these experiences, I realized that everyone can give in their own way and offer help to others. Even the smallest acts of kindness can come together to create meaningful change.
Beyond my busy academic life, engaging in sports I love helps me balance rest and study more efficiently.
Wakesurfing is one of my favorite sports. At first, I would lose balance and fall into the water every time I got on the board. But through continuous practice, I eventually learned to maintain my balance and enjoy the waves. This experience taught me that losing balance is not a big deal—what truly matters is having the courage to keep trying.
Beyond standardized test scores and GPA, actively participating in school-organized activities is also very beneficial for college applications. When choosing a university, don’t just focus on rankings—consider factors like location and unique characteristics to find a school that truly suits you and aligns with the college experience you desire!
This September, I will be attending Northeastern University in Boston to begin my college journey. I chose Northeastern as my Early Decision school because of its prestigious reputation and high-ranking programs, especially in business. Its renowned co-op program provides invaluable real-world experience, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. Plus, its Boston location provides strong networking and career connections, making it the ideal place for my academic and professional growth.
I am excited and eager for this new chapter and will continue my dedication to charitable and volunteer activities in university.
Be the best version of yourself and make the world a better place!